A VA disability rating can lower your yearly property tax bill in Louisiana. Here’s what the benefit covers and what you have to do to claim it.
Key Takeaways
- Louisiana bases a property tax exemption on your VA disability rating. The state uses three levels: 50% to 69%, 70% to 99%, and 100% total disability or unemployability.
- The disabled veteran’s tax benefit is layered on top of the homestead exemption, so the home has to be one you own and live in as your primary residence.
- Parish assessors don’t apply the Louisiana property tax exemption for disabled veterans automatically. You have to file for it and turn in a signed certification of your disability rating.
Veterans with a qualifying VA service-connected disability rating have access to one of the more valuable homeowner benefits in the state: the Louisiana property tax exemption for disabled veterans. It’s also one of the most misunderstood benefits, because claiming it involves the VA, your parish assessor, and a state form most people have never heard of.
This guide walks you through who qualifies for this tax exemption, how much property value may be exempt, where to apply, and what rules could affect your eligibility.
Who Qualifies for the Louisiana Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption?
Veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating of 50% or higher can qualify for the Louisiana property tax exemption, as long as they own the home and live in it as their primary residence.
How Much Is the Louisiana Property Tax Exemption for Veterans?
Louisiana exempts part of your home’s assessed value based on your VA disability rating. A rating of 50% to 69% gives you an additional $2,500 exemption beyond the standard homestead exemption. A rating of 70% to 99% increases that amount to $4,500. Veterans rated 100% disabled or unemployable may have all remaining assessed value exempted.
These amounts apply to assessed value, not the home’s sale price. Louisiana generally assesses residential property at 10% of its fair market value, so a $2,500 exemption represents about $25,000 in home value, while a $4,500 exemption represents about $45,000.
Do Disabled Veterans Need a Homestead Exemption To Qualify for Louisiana’s Property Tax Exemption?
The disabled veteran exemption isn’t a stand-alone tax break. It only applies to a property that already receives the homestead exemption, which means you have to own and occupy the home as your bona fide primary residence on or before December 31 of the year you’re claiming it. Louisiana also limits each person to a single homestead exemption, so a rental property or a second home won’t apply.
How Do Disabled Veterans Apply for a Property Tax Exemption in Louisiana?
You can apply for the disabled veteran property tax exemption through the assessor’s office in the parish where your home is located. Filing methods, deadlines, and requirements vary by parish.
Contact your local assessor to learn what documents you need, whether you can submit the homestead and disabled veteran applications together, and when the exemption will take effect.
What Documents Are Required for Louisiana’s Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption?
Assessors need proof of two things before they’ll grant a property tax exemption: your disability rating and proof that you actually live in the home. Requirements differ a little from parish to parish, but most offices ask for some version of the following:
- A completed Disabled Veterans Property Tax Benefits Certification, signed and stamped by an official
- A VA benefit summary letter showing your service-connected percentage
- A driver’s license or state ID listing the property address
- A recent utility bill showing the property as both the service and mailing address
- Ownership documents, such as your act of sale, if homestead hasn’t been filed yet
The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs has offices across the state, and counselors can certify your disability rating at no cost. If you’ve moved or your rating has changed since your last certification, ask for an updated form listing your current home address before you head to the assessor.
How Home Helpers Properties Helps You Claim the Louisiana Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans
The Louisiana property tax exemption for disabled veterans can lower the cost of owning a home, but first you need a path to buying one. Whether you’re considering a VA home loan or looking for another option, Home Helpers Properties can help you understand what may work for your situation.
We offer owner financing for Louisiana homes and work with veterans, first-time buyers, and people who may not qualify through a traditional lender. Start the home buying process with Home Helpers Properties today and see how we can help.
